IRVINE, Calif. – The Illinois State women's basketball (1-4) fell to UC Irvine (3-2), 67-55, to open the UCI Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday afternoon at the Bren Events Center in Irvine.
Redshirt junior Mary Crompton finished with a game-high 18 points, going 6-of-14 (42.9%) from behind the three-point arc. Junior DeAnna Wilson just missed a double-double, ending with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Anteaters were led by redshirt freshman guard Kayla Williams who had 15 pts, five assists and four steals on the day. Graduate student center Tara Dusharm tallied 14 points, also collecting eight boards.
TURNING POINT
After leading by 12 at the half, UC Irvine opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run to almost erase their deficit and bring the Anteaters within two points at 38-36. ISU had eight of their season-high 20 turnovers in the third period but managed to maintain a 46-44 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of action.
The 'Eaters would go on to limit the 'Birds to 23.1% (3-of-13) shooting in the fourth quarter while posting a blazing 70% (7-of-10) from the floor themselves, outscoring the 'Birds, 23-9, in that stretch to seal the victory in front of their home crowd.
IN THE BOX SCORE
- Crompton's six triples matched her career-high for threes in a game, which she has reached three times prior, the last being on Dec. 6, 2020 versus Saint Xavier.
- Graduate student Jada Stinson with eight points and a rebound in her first start as a Redbird.
- Fifth year Juliunn Redmond's six assists were the most by a Redbird this season.
- The Anteaters' 16 made free throws were the most by an Illinois State opponent since Bradley had 15 last season on Jan. 27, 2021.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE:
On UC Irvine's full-court press: "We had zero turnovers with it in the first half and then we turned the ball over 14 times come the second. That's unacceptable."
On the quick turnaround: "It's very quick but we need to learn from this one and we now have an opportunity to get back in the wins column come tomorrow against Sac State."
UP NEXT
The Redbirds wrap up their trip in California Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. CT game versus Sacramento State. The contest with the Hornets will not be streamed, but will be broadcasted on-air via WJBC at 1230 AM/102.1 FM.
For all latest on Illinois State women's basketball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @RedbirdWBB (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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